Wild Ridge steadily moving forward

Wild Ridge steadily moving forward

Even with recent changes to the town of Signal Mountain's Planned Unit Development ordinance and newly minted subdivision regulations, High Acres Inc. officials are still working steadily toward approval for the Wild Ridge at Fox Run subdivision.

"They've just submitted [the outline plan] to the Regional Planning Agency," said Planning Commissioner and Councilwoman Annette Allen. "The RPA will give any conditions to the Planning Commission."

Town staff is set to meet with the RPA to discuss the preliminary plan Wednesday, April 10. Allen said that after the RPA makes its recommendations to the Planning Commission, commissioners will then discuss those recommendations with Jack Kruesi, owner of High Acres Inc.

The commission will then make a recommendation to the Town Council, which will vote on whether or not to approve the outline plan. If the development is approved by the Council, the plan for Wild Ridge will go back to the Planning Commission, which will move forward with Kruesi in the process, Allen explained.

Kruesi said he is happy with how the process has gone so far.

"The [Planning Commission] has been very supportive," he said. "We continue to move forward with the [Hamilton County Water and Wastewater Treatment Authority in regards to the development's planned on-site sewer system]. All the respective agencies and utilities are working with us in a very positive manner."

According to Kruesi, compromises have been made along the way to fulfill the requests of the Planning Commission, including the additions of sidewalks to the development, which Kruesi had not originally wanted.

"The concepts we started off with have basically been validated by the planning and utility agencies involved," said Kruesi. "They are working with us to meet a common goal. None of us have lost sight that this is a 50-percent-green-space-conserved development. There is a common goal, interest and mutual respect, and, to me, that is the most exciting thing."

He said he is already getting requests for both the bungalow-style houses, which are meant for the 82- to 95-year old demographic, and for the retreat-style houses, meant for those ages 60-81.

"We are very encouraged with the response we are getting from the market," said Kruesi. "The market seems to be saying we have a very strong interest level."

He said he still has a few surprises up his sleeve as the process moves forward.

"Behind the scenes I am working on something with utility locations that's never been done in this country, but I am not willing to announce it yet," Kruesi said. "We are still working on a lot of features that will be incredibly unique."